Learn the Comprehensive Definition and Difference Between MPEG4 vs. MP4

Both .mpeg4 and .mp4 extensions are popular video formats supported by a wide range of apps and operating systems. But, how well do you know them? Do you understand the distinctions between MPEG4 and MP4?

For your convenience, this post will make a comparison between MPEG4 and MP4, and introduce the main differences between MPEG4 and MP4. After reading this, you will be able to identify the qualities of each format and determine which one best meets your needs.

Part 1: MPEG4 VS. MP4: What Are MPEG4 and MP4 Formats?

What is MPEG4?

MPEG4, or Moving Picture Experts Group 4, is a video decoding technique, or a video codec for MP4 and other formats. Furthermore, it is also a standard for the compression of audio and video. MPEG4 video codec is used to compress multiple video files so that it may be easily played by most media players and devices and broadcast online and on television. However, compared to H.264 codec for MP4 format, it has larger file size and lower quality.

What is MP4?

MP4 means digital multimedia container format, which is commonly used to save video and audio. It is short for MPEG4 part 14 and stands for the digital multimedia container format. MP4 is a video file extension that specifies how the elements of a video clip are stored. The video, audio, any still images, and subtitles are commonly referred to as components. It is one of the most widely used file formats, with almost all computers and mobile devices supporting it. Overall, MP4 is a container format as well as a video file extension (.mp4).

Part 2: MPEG4 VS. MP4: The Differences between MPEG4 and MP4

To understand the difference between MP4 and MPEG4, we must first define two different words: codec and video container format.

A codec is a program that encrypts and decrypts data. Audio and video streams are converted into digital signals by media codecs and compressed to make them more suited for online transmission.

A media container format allows several data streams to be included in a single multimedia file. Audio, video, subtitles, and additional meta-data are the most common. It's also known as a file extension that contains video codecs, audio codec, and other file codec. Thus, MP4 can contain MPEG4, H.264, and other codecs.

MPEG vs. MP4

The primary distinction between an MPEG4 and an MP4 is their purpose. MPEG4 is a codec. It is a video encoding method that is in charge of compressing and converting images into data. An MP4, on the other hand, is merely a media container designed to hold data encoded by an MPEG4. It does not affect the quality of the final product because it does not deal with the actual video. An MP4 is concerned with how video and audio data and other pertinent information such as subtitles, chapters, and the like are contained within the file. Numerous codecs, such as DivX, Xvid, Quicktime, and x264, might have encoded an MP4 file. While the MPEG4 codec can be used by other than MP4 videos.

Part 3: The Best Way to Convert Videos between MPEG4 and MP4

Since MPEG4 can be used by many video formats, such as AVI and MKV, your files may be not compatible with your current device. In this case, you may need to convert MPEG4 to MP4. AnyRec Video Converter is one of the powerful tools you must have on your device. This tool allows you to convert from over 1000+ audio and video formats. Furthermore, many users advocate it as the best converter because of its unique and useful editing features. Download this and experience converting without hassle.

Step 1.First of all, download and install the AnyRec Video Converter on your device. After the installation process, you may upload your MPEG4 on the software by hitting the Add Files button. You can also simply drag or drop all your files directly on the app.

Step 2.Next, you may now choose the file format to convert MPEG to MP4. Hit the Format icon on the right side of the app’s interface. Then a pop-up window will appear on your screen. Go to the Video section and hit the MP4 format.

Step 3.After that, you may hit the Gear icon on the right side of the MP4 format to adjust the profile settings. You can modify the encoder, frame rate, resolution, and bitrate. You can even change the codec for MP4 format from MPEG4 to H.264 or HEVC. Once done, hit the Create New button.

Step 4.Finally, you can now save your converted files. Choose your file location first by hitting the Save To button. After that, you can now start saving your files by clicking the Convert All button.

You can also use this powerful software to convert MPEG to MP3, MKV, AVI and any other formats.

Part 4: FAQs about MPEG4 and MP4 Formats

• 1.Is MPEG4 similar to MP4?

  No, they are not identical; instead, there are minor variances between them. MP4 is a video format that can store various media and is commonly compressed with the MPEG4 codec. However, this is not always the case. MPEG4 can be used to encode a variety of file types, including MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV, OGG, and MXF.

• 2.Can I play MPEG4 videos on Windows/Mac?

  Most MPEG4 videos can be played on Windows/Mac through the default players. But if the container format of MPEG4 codec is not compatible with your media player, you can download AnyRec video converter to change MPEG4 to MP4 format for better playback on any devices and players.

• 3.Does MP4 format use MPEG4 as the codec?

  Yes, MP4 format uses MPEG4 as the codec but not all the time. It can also use H.264 and HEVC/H.265 codecs. So MP4 videos with different codec have different quality and file size. Learn more about MP4 format here.

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